1917 Joe Jackson Photo

Original press photo, culled from The Chicago Sun Times archives, capturing the legendary "Shoeless Joe" Jackson as a member of the Chicago White Sox. The bust-length image pictures Jackson in his home white uniform as he pensively gazes away from the camera. Reverse markings consist of an "Underwood & Underwood" credit stamp (style used by the company during the early 1920s), an "Oct-8 1917" date stamp, and period editorial notations. It seems reasonable to assume that this photo dates to 1917, based upon the date stamp, and that it was later circulated by the company again in the early 1920s (probably during the "Black Sox" scandal), which would account for the slight age discrepancy between the two markings (and a common practice by newspapers with archived press photos). October 8, 1917, was the day after Game 2 of the 1917 World Series between the White Sox and Giants. Joe Jackson was the hitting star in Chicago's 7-2 victory in Game 2, going three for three with two RBI, which explains why his picture was featured in the paper the next day. The White Sox defeated the Giants in six games in 1917 to capture their first World Championship since 1906. Ironically, Joe Jackson batted .304 in the series, which was seventy-one points lower than his Series average in 1919, when he supposedly was not trying to win. The photo (5 x 7.5 inches) has a few very minor flaws common to nearly all working press photos, including a small corner chip in the upper right and a number of light-to-moderate creases. In Very Good condition. Reserve $200. Estimate $400+.

SOLD FOR $2,644

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